Done deal: Arsenal make new signing after agreement sealed

Arsenal have completed a deal for a highly-regarded member of Leicester’s recruitment team, it was confirmed on Sunday.

Ben Wrigglesworth, the head of technical scouting who helped sign stars including Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, has announced that he is joining Arsene Wenger’s backroom team.

He has been appointed First Team Video Scout at Arsenal, which he confirmed on LinkedIn before thanking Leicester on Twitter and wishing the Premier League leaders the best for the future.

Wrigglesworth tweeted: “After 3 + 1/2 unbelievable seasons, working with amazing people, I am now starting a new chapter.

“It was a very difficult decision, leaving Leicester, but I had to take an opportunity that doesn’t come round often.

“I only wish the best for Leicester in the future and will always be eternally grateful to them for getting me to where I am.”

Football Insider revealed last month that Wrigglesworth, who has been on gardening leave at the King Power Stadium, had agreed a contract with Arsenal that will provide him with a considerably salary rise.

He is the second member of Leicester’s scouting team to leave in the past 12 months after Rob Mackenzie joined Tottenham as head of player identification in February.

Wrigglesworth, who worked for Notts County and ProZone before joining Leicester, has been integral to the club signing the likes of Mahrez, who has spearheaded Leicester’s unlikely title challenge along with Kante and Jamie Vardy.

Leicester sit top of the Premier League table with 13 matches remaining this season, although Arsenal kept the pressure on the leaders after a 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday.